The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has underscored the urgent need for dedicated housing facilities to support the country’s teachers, many of whom continue to struggle to secure decent and affordable accommodation.
He explained that providing comfortable housing would not only ease the financial burden on teachers but also help them plan effectively toward life after retirement.
Speaking at the 2nd Stakeholders’ Meeting of the GES Occupational Pension Scheme (GESOPs) in Tamale on Friday, November 14, the Minister commended the board and stakeholders for their dedication since the scheme’s inception, noting the impressive growth of the fund to over 14 billion Ghana cedis.
Mr Iddrisu announced that the Ministry of Education will collaborate with key partners to develop two- and three-bedroom housing units for teachers across the country, addressing long-standing challenges with teacher accommodation.
Appealing to GESOPs and other partners, he urged a reorientation of investment decisions to support the proposed initiative.
“We are appealing for a softening and a redirection of your investment policy decisions so that the government can partner with GESOPs and others, including the District Assemblies Common Fund, to begin two- and three-bedroom housing facilities for teachers across the country,” he said.
He further revealed that the government has established a five-member committee to explore the feasibility and implementation of the housing project.
“It is about time. Today, I announce on behalf of gthe overnment a five-member committee to look into the provision of two- and three-bedroom housing facilities for teachers. It will include a representative of GESOPs, the National Pensions Regulatory Authority, and the heads of the teacher unions,” he stated.
